Reading group for dads and kids in Inuvik, N.W.T., is about more than literacy

A Saturday-morning reading group started by some dads in Inuvik, N.W.T., isn't just about children's literacy — it's also about building community, and sharing some of the challenges of parenting.

Mike Bodnar is a teacher in Inuvik and he's one of the founders of the new "Delta Dads Read" group, which meets on the first Saturday of each month. The group has met twice so far.

Bodnar said it's about giving young fathers a chance to spend time with their kids in a different environment. 

"Guys who I have seen at the hockey rink, or at Northmart, or just having a beer or something like that — guys you see without their kids. But then seeing them on a Saturday morning with their kids, it's a different context, a different side of guys," said Bodnar.

The meetings are funded by the N.W.T. Literacy Council and supported by local organizations like the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's food program which supplies healthy snacks and drinks for the gatherings.

Bodnar said the group is already helping fathers connect with each other in ways they might not otherwise.

"I was just complaining about how much my child crawls on everything, and another dad said the same thing — so we started talking about how this community could use a climbing park," said Bodnar.

Opening up and seeing a different perspective is another reason the group is important to Bodnar.

"I think it's really important that, as guys, that we see each other, the softer side of each other — cuddling with our kids, reading to our kids, you know, picking them up when they fall down, and that kind of stuff," he said.

"There's not that many opportunities dedicated to fathers in that way." 

The group hopes to inspire other dads in the region to start similar groups in their communities.

Each "Delta Dads Read" meeting has consisted of a group reading session, and free playtime in the school gym.

"Getting together and doing that with other dads and their kids is pretty special, I think," said Bodnar.

The group has a Facebook page to announce events and provide information for new members.